Raptors axe Coach Mitchell

[langway05]

From an unlikely source: sports.sympatico.msn

The Toronto Raptors fired head coach Sam Mitchell on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the fifth-worst loss in franchise history.

Mitchell, 45, will be replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Jay Triano, in his seventh season with Toronto.

"This is a difficult but necessary step the franchise must take," Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said in a statement.

Triano, from Niagara Falls, Ont., is best known for coaching the Canadian men's team from 1998-2004.

He filled in once as Raptors head coach for Mitchell, earning a 109-91 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Feb. 13.

"I have a lot of respect for Jay's basketball acumen," Colangelo said. "He will be a fresh voice for the players to listen to."

Mitchell posted a 156-189 record with Toronto, but the Raptors sit an unremarkable 8-9 this season, one in which they expect to be a contender in the Eastern Conference.

"Are we getting the most out of this roster every given night?" Colangelo said. "That is what we're seeking to improve."

 

[NickC]

Wow, from Coach of he Year to this. Hopefully they can bring in someone new who can improve them.I hope Mitchell finds a new place.

Nick

 

[Boom Boom]

Colangelo is upping the ante when it comes to whats expected on the court. The embarrassing play of late was not going to be tolerated. Its a stunning fall for Mitchell. He was a class act as a coach, was always a great media quote......its too bad the players had simply tuned him out.........

 

[lemontree]

Its about time.....I don't think this team will be much improved under Trino's watch but this plan wasn't working so it is time to change this team. BC is going with a new plan that will probably see some retooling with his eye a couple years down the road.

 

[calgore7]

I can see the argument from both sides. The Raptors haven't been playing inspired ball of late, especially in their last game against Denver. They've also blown several double-digit leads. But look at the players that the Raptors have:

Jamario Moon - (almost a career) D-League player
Anthony Parker - Euro-League player who couldn't make it in the NBA when he was drafted
Joey Graham - Inconsistent 2nd-rounder
Jason Kapono - $4-5 milion dollar 3-pointer who won't shoot ?

The Raptors have the weakest starters in the NBA for the small forward and shooting guard positions.

The coach is supposed to inspire his team, but at some point, you have to look at the talent that Sam Mitchell has to work with. Once you go beyond Bosh, Calderon, Bargnani, and O'Neal, the bench is slim pickings.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

I think change will be good for this team.